Posts Tagged ‘roofing trends’

Take a look at the hottest roofing trends on the rise in 2017: Does your roof need one of these upgrades?

Greater Use of Colored Shingles

Thicker, more durable shingles continue to grow popular among homeowners: There are more options than ever before, and they tend to have much better life spans and warranties than traditional flat shingles. However, one particular trend that’s picking up both here and across the country is greater use of colored shingles. Shingles have been available in various shades of red, brown, tan, and even blue for years, but in the past homeowners have usually been content with the traditional shades of gray. Today’s roofing trends, however, lean more toward finding the right shingle color to match siding and environment.

Durable Tile Roofing

Tile roofing is also taking off as more homeowners are willing to look beyond ever-popular shingles to tiles made from slate, concrete, and similar materials. These tile rooftops have a high-quality, modern look that makes them popular on newer homes. Tile also typically lasts longer than shingles and is more resistant to harsh weather when properly installed.

However, tile is also significantly more expensive than shingles, and a lot heavier, which can affect roof design and renovation choices.

Metal Roofing Solutions

Along with tile, metal roofing is also becoming more common in residential neighborhoods. Homeowners now know that metal rooftops aren’t just corrugated sheet metal – they are a mixture of panels, tiles and segments with many different appearances. Metal rooftops are known for their durability: With proper coatings they can shrug off most storms and debris. However, like tile metal, roofing can be heavy, and there is a danger of eventual rust in humid climates.

More Gutter Projects

Gutters are a vital part of homes, especially in climates that see more rain. Homes without gutters see more siding problems, since water runs off the roof and drips down onto the siding and eaves (it also does the foundation no favors). We’re seeing two different kinds of gutter projects on the rise. First, people are installing gutters on older homes that never had them before – or at least never had them on a particular side. Second, people are updating their “standard” gutters with customized gutters designed for the right water load, as well as a more elegant appearance that keeps gutters from being an eyesore.

Greener Rooftops

Advances in green and environmentally friendly roofing continue as well. In areas that receive plenty of sunlight, solar panels have a new competitor with solar tiles that look like a normal roof but can also harvest sunlight for electricity. In wetter and more urban areas, green rooftops that grow various grasses and insulate the home are one of the more popular roofing trends, although they do require a thicker moisture-proof membrane.

Though some housing trends may turn out to be passing fads, the latest in roofing trends offers options for every homeowner to consider. From metal roofing that gives the appearance of conventional shingles to glass enclosures that brighten up different rooms in any residence, alternative roofing options are worth your attention. Here’s a look at available upgrades for your home.

Versatile metal roofing

Metal roofing materials may last between 40 and 60 years, which will catch the attention of anyone who has had to pay for a roof replacement in the past. Unlike old-fashioned steel roofing, modern metal roofs come in elegant styles that resemble wood shake, asphalt shingles or clay tiles. In addition to the look of the material, they are available in many colors. These options allow you to match the style of any home, from historical Buckhead homes to new constructions in Dunwoody.

Along with the improved styling of metal roofs, they can withstand extreme weather and reflect heat better than traditional roofing materials. Their longevity and high percentage of recycled content also make them a very green option. Most metal roofs contain a minimum of 25 percent recycled materials, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance. Roof materials made with zinc (a very abundant metal) require less energy to produce and are fully recyclable.

Glass roofing trends

The advantages of glass roofs are probably the most obvious when you’re reviewing the latest trends in home roofing. You can create a different atmosphere in any part of your home by adding a glass skylight or enclosure. Glass roofing is popular for skylights and for covering indoor pools or patios, but you may also consider it an option for family rooms or bedrooms throughout the home. Metal frames covered in wood support the glass panels to provide the structural integrity for this type of roofing.

Solar panels that are coated in glass represent another alternative roofing option for homeowners. Unlike bulky solar panels that can take away from a home’s exterior beauty, solar roof shingles give the appearance of dark roof tiles, a style that makes sense for many modern homes. These panels provide homes with power for HVAC equipment and other appliances, cutting energy costs by over 60 percent in some homes.

Cutting-edge roofing styles tend to cost more upfront than traditional shingle roofs, but these options are worth considering for future energy savings and home value. Before you plan on a standard roof replacement, the latest roofing trends are worth exploring for your home.